PHOTOS: Stewart through the years " All of 'Smoke's' wins Three-time champion Tony Stewart made his 600th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start Saturday night, taking the green flag for the final time at Kentucky Speedway -- and he had a memorable showing in the Bluegrass State, notching a fifth-place finish to bolster his position in the Chase Grid. Stewart, 45, started his No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet 22nd in the 40-car field for the Quaker State 400. He ranks 24th on NASCAR's all-time starts list, two behind JamesHylton and just ahead of active drivers Matt Kenseth (596 starts) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (595). Among active drivers, only part-time veterans Michael Waltrip (10th place at 783 starts) and Bobby Labonte (13th at 728) outrank Stewart. "Smoke" ran in the middle of the pack for most of the evening, but excelled at the end during a late-race strategy call. As drivers pitted late during the final fuel run, crew chief Mike Bugarewicz called for Stewart to save fuel aggressively. His driver complied, as Stewart climbed from just outside the top 15 to a fifth-place finish, behind teammate Kurt Busch. It was reminiscent of Stewart's win at Sonoma Raceway in June, when a late-race decision to pit also paid off beautifully. "With the way the first half of this race went, we got in survival mode there and still wanted to race hard, but you didn't want to do anything that was going to jeopardize finishing the race and capitalizing on the misfortune of the guys that are around us in points had," Stewart said. "You are not really going to race anywhere else the rest of the year like this, so I don't think it's an indication of what our season is going to be like, but we ran anywhere from 11th to 22nd, pretty much just stayed in that range all day (until the end)." Stewart's previous best finish on the 1.5-mile track was 11th, achieved in 2014. Zack Albert contributed to this report &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

HScott Motorsports will not field teams for the 2017 season in NASCAR's premier series, according to a statement from the team. HSM fielded two full-time entries for 2015-16 in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, most recently with drivers Clint Bowyer in the team's No. 15 Chevrolet and Michael Annett in the No. 46 Chevrolet. Bowyer ended the '16 season 27th in points; Annett placed 36th. "Over the past several months I considered a number of options for moving forward with the team," Scott said in the statement. "Regrettably there are no viable sponsor/driver options immediately available to allow the team to participate in 2017." Bowyer, who joined the team before the start of the '16 season, was scheduled to remain with the team for only one season before moving to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2017 to replace co-owner/driver Tony Stewart in that organization's No. 14 entry. Officials with Bowyer's sponsor, 5-hour Energy, announced earlier this year that the company would become the primary sponsor for Erik Jones and the No. 77 Furniture Row Racing Toyota entry in '17. Last month, it was announced that Annett and his sponsor, Pilot Flying J, would move to JR Motorsports to compete in the NASCAR XFINITY Series next season. "One thing I have learned about NASCAR is that it is a 'people business,'" Scott said. "I will be forever grateful to the men and women who worked tirelessly to make HScott Motorsports successful. ... "I love this sport and being part of it. I invested in NASCAR because I truly believe it represents the best racing competition in the world and the best people in all sports." The organization's charter for its No. 15 team has been sold to Premium Motorsports, according to HSM. The No. 46 charter, which was originally leased from Premium, was returned to Premium, which in turn has sold it to Furniture Row Racing . Charter teams are guaranteed starting positions in NASCAR premier series points races. HScott Motorsports came into being after Scott purchased the former Phoenix Racing team from owner James Finch. The organization was originally located in Spartanburg, S.C., but moved to Mooresville, N.C., before the start of the '16 season. "Looking back, I will always be especially proud of the unprecedented success of our NASCAR K&N Series teams, including four consecutive championships, and for the lifelong friendships that were forged over the last seven years," Scott said. Seven drivers combined for 189 starts at HSM; Bowyer managed three of the organization's four career top 10s this past season. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

At the end of every NASCAR season, we like to honor those who went the extra mile on social media. Twitter is a powerful tool -- it allows you to do everything from blaming Jimmie Johnson for things that he has no bearing on, to fart-shaming your dog (Hi Dale.). So without further ado, we give you this year’s winners by category. THE KEVIN HARVICK AWARD FOR INSTIGATION: DALE EARNHARDT JR. Carl Edwards texted me to say thanks for giving him room and he said @joeylogano was a "poop face" #LiesAllLies pic.twitter.com/NeURxwlxG6 — Dale Earnhardt Jr . (@DaleJr) June 27, 2016 Dale Earnhardt Jr . manages to not only stoke the raging feud between Carl Edwards and Joey Logano , but also manages to give us a glimpse into the blazing hot takes Carl Edwards would bring should he ever join Twitter. I mean, Carl played the “poop face” card. Checkmate, fool. BEST TWEET THAT HAD TO BE DELETED BECAUSE PR PEOPLE HATE FUN: COLE PEARN Furniture Row Racing crew chief Cole Pearn took great exception to Joey Logano ’s driving at Auto Club Speedway this year, and responded with a tweet that you probably took a screenshot of. While we can’t reveal the exact wording of said tweet, we can say that it referenced Logano’s perceived lack of vision. It read like a polite guy from Canada trying to sound mad and intimidating. Cole really brought his “Eh” game! ACHIEVEMENTS IN HILLBILLY ENGINEERING: JIMMIE JOHNSON Yep pic.twitter.com/vtoJpP56D0 — Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) May 30, 2016 The day after the Coca-Cola 600 , Jimmie Johnson posted this gem, featuring an innovative amalgam of a Lowe’s beverage dispenser and PVC pipe. It invokes imagery of Junior Johnson in coveralls, working tirelessly on a moonshine still somewhere in the deep woods, trying to work up a fresh batch while avoiding the watchful eye of Johnny Law. Except instead of Junior Johnson, it’s Jimmie Johnson . But instead of coveralls, he’s likely in a form-fitting Gap v-neck, Tommy Bahama bathing suit and Sperry topsiders. Think Water Cooler Dale is fun to talk to? We guarantee Margarita Cooler Jimmie much more talkative. RISING STAR AWARD: DALE EARNHARDT JR. Nephew Wyatt's first day on the go kart. #NextGeneration #HereWeGoAgain pic.twitter.com/9BvRPGs3A2 — Dale Earnhardt Jr . (@DaleJr) July 29, 2016 Imagine being Dale Earnhardt Jr .’s nephew. It is impossible to have a cooler uncle. You can go by his house to play in a Wild West town, see old wrecked race cars, and hang out in a dope treehouse. You also get to turn laps in a go-kart, as Wyatt did in this tweet. Dale himself took a few laps later. They were as slow as you’d expect from a grown adult on a kart with about four horsepower. But he still outran the Premium Motorsports No. 55 car. BEST INSPIRATIONAL TWEET THAT ALSO MADE FANS AFRAID TO SIT IN THE FIRST FEW ROWS OF THE GRANDSTANDS: KEVIN HARVICK My mood for the next 11 weeks. pic.twitter.com/ewssWFvL7G — Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) September 6, 2016 A good tweet and a good animated GIF. But there was confusion as to whether it was metaphorical (As in Kevin Harvick ’s approach in the Chase would be like that of a raging bull) or literal (Before every race, Kevin Harvick will run up in the stands and rip off your pants and boxer shorts with his horns). Regardless, it earned him the nickname "El Toro," which by our count is nickname No. 56. SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN "......HAY GURL….": RYAN BLANEY Who needs coffeee, when you can just look at this... pic.twitter.com/qayVpRwxLZ — Darrell Wallace Jr (@BubbaWallace) April 8, 2016 "‘Hay gurl. 'Sup. My name's Ryan. Find me on Tinder. I turn left. U gonna swipe right." "WELL THEN JUST MAINTAIN A CRUISING ALTITUDE OF 4,999 FEET INSTEAD OF FART-SHAMING YOUR DOG” AWARD: DALE EARNHARDT JR. When he gets above 5000 feet he drops an air bagel every 3 minutes. It's awful. I claim mine. #noShame https://t.co/M00AphWFsn — Dale Earnhardt Jr . (@DaleJr) April 24, 2016 Gus has quickly learned there’s a price to fame. Sure, you have acres and acres on which to cavort, relieve yourself and hump a live buffalo’s leg, but you also have to accept your Twitter-happy owner oversharing your digestive shortcomings. Maybe it’s not the altitude --maybe you shouldn’t feed him bananas and mayonnaise. Ever think of that? "WEIRD -- THESE M&M’S TASTE LIKE SMALL-KIBBLE BEEF AND CHICKEN FOR PETITE BREEDS" AWARD: BREXTON BUSCH Turned around for .2 seconds pic.twitter.com/WkA1tDIgVj — Samantha Busch (@SamanthaBusch) March 31, 2016 No explanation needed. SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN NOT KNOWING WHERE YOUR GINGER BEARD ENDS AND THE DOG BEGINS: DALE EARNHARDT JR. . @Amy_Reimann driving all us dogs to the groomer. Little one freezin his tail off this cold mornin. We makin due. pic.twitter.com/S9ehO9FF6u — Dale Earnhardt Jr . (@DaleJr) April 6, 2016 We realize this is like his 30th Twitter award. Deal with it. When it comes to Twitter, Dale is our own personal Meryl Streep. "WOW -- SO THAT ISN’T ACTUALLY A JOKE" AWARD: CLINT BOWYER Dear @YETICoolers . Good news..these keep a beer crazy cold. BAD news.. I lost my Father's Day present.. Don't float pic.twitter.com/6pL8THO8Fs — Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) June 21, 2016 So he DOES actually get distracted by shiny objects. Cray. SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN VANDALIZING YOUR OFFSPRING: LANDON CASSILL No one is safe in our house. Poor helpless lil babe @landoncassill pic.twitter.com/50PlhySXpk — kaitlan cassill (@kaitlancassill) April 26, 2016 Landon spares no one when it comes to distributing the most ubiquitous sticker of 2016 (Aside from that "I Voted" one). Even his own son. Imagine the party when this kid turns 38. "THEY SEE ME ROLLIN’ / THEY HATIN’ / PATROLLIN’ BECAUSE THEY KNOW MY DIAPER’S DIRTY" AWARD: BREXTON BUSCH "Yo, what's up my homie?" pic.twitter.com/YIRX9sXZVq — Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) April 20, 2016 He probably pulled alongside Kyle and offered to sign his hat. "OH HEY -- HELLO AGAIN, LUNCH. SO GREAT TO SEE YOU" AWARD: KEVIN HARVICK Today's pre draining foot status... #nasty pic.twitter.com/E9RSfOpbtd — Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) June 29, 2016 After Sonoma , Kevin Harvick felt it would be prudent to share this picture. Very few free Bloomin’ Onions were handed out that week, because, well, turns out a grotesque, close-up image of a bulbous water-balloon of a blister squashes appetites like a bug. "DO WE TELL HIM THAT'S ACTUALLY A BAT" AWARD: JOEY LOGANO We got Frankie a new friend...meet Luigi Logano pic.twitter.com/dEIBGBTbxj — Joey Logano (@joeylogano) July 6, 2016 Yes, Luigi is cute. But look at those ears. That’s a bat. A damn bat. WIth four legs. Likely the result of some bizarre genetic-splicing experiment that took place deep in the cavernous underground of the Team Penske race shop. It probably sleeps during the day and awakens at night and hangs from the ceiling. And barks in a deep, gruff tone like Christian Bale. That’s a bat. RECOGNITION FOR FAILING TO CONVINCE US THAT IT’S ACTUALLY CALLED A SATCHEL AND THAT INDIANA JONES HAD ONE: TY DILLON @tydillon I love your man bag pic.twitter.com/UO0shRqikb — Haley Dillon (@HaleyKDillon) July 12, 2016 Imagine Ty Dillon getting into a fight like his grandfather. "HOLD MY FASHIONABLE MAN PURSE." "LEAVIN’ THE 'G' OFF GERUNDS BECAUSE THE LADIES BE LOVIN' THAT" AWARD: DALE EARNHARDT JR. Every time @DaleJr says "weddin" it warms my heart #socute — Amy Reimann (@Amy_Reimann) August 2, 2016 Dale Earnhardt Jr . talks like a Cracker Barrel menu. “WE FINALLY FOUND SOMETHING THAT JIMMIE JOHNSON MAY ACTUALLY NOT BE VERY GOOD AT" AWARD: JIMMIE JOHNSON One of those liquid courage moments. I have no skills, this didn't end well. #TBT #2001 @SteveParkee pic.twitter.com/AsOG4FOrL0 — Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) August 11, 2016 Jimmie (Who sort of looked like Dave Matthews back in the day) finally confessed to not being absolutely perfect at something! Who knew? Apparently he can’t sing or play guitar. But this is probably before Chad Knaus made a few adjustments on the guitar and Jimmie went back out and performed "Fire And Rain" better than James Taylor ever has. THE "KIDS ARE SO CUTE WHEN THEY COMMIT TREASON" AWARD: JIMMIE JOHNSON @mattkenseth pic.twitter.com/NUhGbdePHq — Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) August 10, 2016 Jimmie’s daughter declaring her unwavering support for Matt Kenseth is the surprising part of this tweet. The unsurprising part? That Johnsons can even win at those completely unwinnable claw games. THE "HEY PERSON WHO JUST CAUGHT THAT VERY BIG FISH -- PLEASE LET ME HOLD IT AND TAKE A PICTURE WITH IT THAT I PROMISE I WON’T TWEET OUT AND TELL PEOPLE THAT I ACTUALLY CAUGHT IT. EWWWW THESE THINGS ARE SLIMY AND GROSS" AWARD: JAMIE MCMURRAY Here is a pic of my big fish. BC is one of the most beautiful places I have been in the world. pic.twitter.com/8OxZIE62tX — Jamie McMurray (@jamiemcmurray) August 11, 201 EDITOR’S NOTE: We have no evidence of this. Only hearsay and assump tion. THE " WELL NOW YOU KNOW HOW DANICA FEELS WHENEVER YOU TAKE A TEAM PHOTO" AWARD: KURT BUSCH One man short of a Lithuanian Allstar Basketball team. #waterboy #ballers pic.twitter.com/TSf99KlhvL — Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) June 16, 2016 Next time you post a picture like this, please provide caption information, as we didn’t know which one you were, Kurt. THE "WE JUST HOPE HE DIDN’T ASK YOU TO HOLD ONTO THE RING BEFORE HE POPPED THE QUESTION" AWARD: JOEY LOGANO Congrats to Jordan & Megan! #SheSaidYes pic.twitter.com/Tjy67k88MR — Joey Logano (@joeylogano) September 4, 2016 "Megan...you are the love of my life. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you...um...Joey?” (LOGANO CHECKS POCKETS) “MAN I JUST had it, I promise…” THE "OH I SEE SO Y’ALL PEE IN YOUR FIRESUITS EVERY SUNDAY BUT I SOIL THE INFIELD GRASS AND SUDDENLY I’M THE BAD GUY” AWARD: GUS THE DOG Gus fertilized the lawn @CLTMotorSpdwy tonight. pic.twitter.com/hkdfxdhwH1 — Dale Earnhardt Jr . (@DaleJr) October 5, 2016 Gus: "Oh wait -- you said 'SIT'? My bad."

MORE: Cassill, Busch have a blast at NBA Finals game LeBron James led his Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic Game 7 win in the NBA Finals over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night in Oakland, California, ending a major sports title drought for his city that dated back to 1964. "King James " -- never one to put the spotlight on himself -- took the moment to not bask in his own glory, but to instead honor legendary NASCAR driver and seven-time premier series champion, Dale "The Intimidator" Earnhardt. He even held up 3 for Dale @KingJames pic.twitter.com/YxPgLDo82J — Brett Griffin (@SpotterBrett) June 20, 2016 On a related note, the title was the third of James' career.

17-year-old made nine Truck Series starts with NTS Motorsports in 2014 Play: NASCAR Fantasy Live RELATED: Full entry list for Martinsville Red Horse Racing officials said Monday that NASCAR Next driver Gray Gaulding will drive the team's No. 7 Toyota in Saturday's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Martinsville Speedway . Representatives with the Tom DeLoach-owned Red Horse team confirmed the one-race deal for Gaulding on Monday morning, shortly after NTS Motorsports announced that the 17-year-old driver had left its organization. Krispy Kreme, a sponsor of Gaulding since his days racing in the developmental NASCAR K&N Pro Series, will back his Red Horse No. 7 Toyota Tundra entry in Saturday's Kroger 250 (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX Sports 1). Gaulding and Red Horse Racing are working on adding additional races for him in the Truck Series. "This is a awesome opportunity for myself and Krispy Kreme," Gaulding said in a team release provided by Red Horse Racing. "We have had a relationship with Toyota and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) for several years and when the opportunity came to partner with (team owner Tom) DeLoach and Red Horse Racing it was a dream come true. Walking into that facility just three days ago and seeing the teamwork, professionalism, and how everyone was working together I knew instantly this is where I needed to be to compete in the Camping World Truck Series. Red Horse Racing, Toyota, and Triad Engines really stepped up to make this happen so quickly for me." Butch Hylton will be the crew chief for the No. 7 entry. The veteran wrench has eight wins atop the pit box in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with two of those victories coming at Martinsville. He also has eight wins atop the pit box in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. "This all came about very quickly, but a lot of hard work by everyone here at Red Horse Racing and the support from Toyota and Triad Engines made it happen," DeLoach said in a release. "I've known Gray (Gaulding) for a long time and expect him to be strong at Martinsville (Speedway)." In addition, Gaulding will partner will Precision Performance Motorsports for the remaining NASCAR K&N Pro Series East slate. He is currently third in the point standings in that series. NTS, which will field entries at Martinsville for former series champ James Buescher and Daniel Hemric , first joined forces with Gaulding in 2014. Gaulding, the youngest winner in K&N Pro Series history, drove NTS trucks in nine Camping World Truck Series races last season scoring a fourth-place finish at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for his first top-five in a NASCAR national series. "I am very appreciative of Gray and everything that Gray Gaulding Racing did to help NTS Motorsports during their time with us," team owner Bob Newberry said in a release provided by the team. "I wish them nothing but good luck in the future." Red Horse will also field Toyotas for former Martinsville winner Timothy Peters and 2014 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Ben Kennedy this weekend. MORE: READ: Latest NASCAR news PLAY: Sign up for Fantasy Live WATCH: Latest NASCAR video FOLLOW LIVE: Get RaceView today FULL SERIES COVERAGE • Latest news • Standings • Schedule

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